Business Directories

Family Health Festival opens in Dubai

Dubai, January 29, 2011

The third annual Family Health Festival endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and sponsored by AstraZeneca, officially kicked off on Saturday.

Family Health Festival is a month-long series of events which brings health awareness to the DSF-participating malls and outdoor locations.

Disease education and preventive screenings are intertwined with fun activities. Select corporate organizations are also imparted education and screenings under the umbrella.

It was inaugurated by Dr Hanif Hassan Ali, UAE Minister of Health, in the presence of Ibrahim Saleh, Festivals co-ordinator general and deputy CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE).

This year’s primary focus of the health festival was based on AstraZeneca’s 'Safe at Heart Initiative,' which aims to raise awareness about the growing burden and prevention of cardiovascular disease in the region.

For the third consecutive year, Safe at Heart is visiting an array of venues including shopping malls, select external DSF locations and corporate houses to empower the public to understand address and prevent common health conditions.

Specific activities will highlight cholesterol awareness through preventive screenings and education, said a DEPE statement.

“DSF has always been sensitive about generating awareness effectively on several health issues. We have partnered with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in the past to deliver such information through very innovative channels," said Saleh.

"An event of this nature is perfectly suited to do this as people are relaxed and in a mood to absorb. DSF is an ideal platform to bring to their notice in a fun manner issues that could affect their lives. We are proud to be associated with the third edition of this very unique concept,” he added.

The Safe at Heart Initiative, which is also endorsed by the Emirates Cardiac Society, brings seminars and counseling with healthcare professionals on how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Changing into a healthier lifestyle is the first step before resorting to medication. Once high cholesterol levels are medically treated, it is important to monitor values to ensure they are maintained at a safe level.

"Awareness is the key to managing and controlling any disease effectively. It is perhaps more relevant in heart conditions as their onset is largely preventable," said Tarek Rabah, president of AstraZeneca Gulf.

"Importantly, cardiovascular disease is the leading killer in the UAE – and across the globe," he added-TradeArabia News Service